THE secret of living to a ripe old age might actually be as easy as a walk in the park.
A study has found that just ten minutes of daily exercise could add years on.
Here, CLAIRE DUNWELL and ALICE McINTYRE reveal ten more quick ways you can increase your lifespan.
Go on, give them a try – it won’t take long.
Bottoms up
A GLASS of wine every day won’t just help you live longer, it can also keep you mentally sharp into old age, say researchers.
Red wine contains resveratrol, which is a chemical proven to provide anti–ageing benefits.
When it is drunk in moderation, it increases longevity, improves memory and also cuts the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Julia Jones, neuroscientist and founder of Neuron Wellness, says: “Some studies also show it was actually the social aspects of drinking that produced the benefit.”
Keep dancing
YOU don’t have to waltz around like you’re on Strictly, just a little jig in the kitchen can help you dodge death.
A study of 5,000 older people by National Institutes of Health, in Maryland, discovered that adding ten minutes of physical activity a day prevented 111,174 deaths a year.
Dr Jones says: “Dancing delivers multiple wellness benefits because it’s a highly complex task for the brain to juggle.
“Music also boosts key brain chemicals that make us feel good, plus it’s social. It’s a win-win wellness habit."
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Have a power nap
CAN’T resist having a cheeky power nap?
Far from being a lazy habit, a Greek study of more than 23,000 people showed that occasional nappers have a 12 per cent lower coronary mortality ratio.
Between ten and 20 minutes a day is the perfect cat nap. Any longer can leave us groggy.
So, enjoy some extra shut-eye — just don’t forget to set an alarm.
Floss your teeth
WE all remember to brush our teeth. But the same can’t be said for flossing.
According to the Journal of Aging Research, adding a regular ten minutes of flossing to your dental routine can increase your lifespan.
Not only does it prevent tooth loss, it can also protect against gum disease, which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney failure.
Have a cold shower
GIVE yourself a real wake-up call with a cold shower.
Cold water improves circulation, which can help your body heal faster and keep your heart healthy.
Dr Jones says: “It’s is a simple way to put the body and nervous system under a bit of stress through temperature changes. This helps improve our in-built stress response and your skin feels great afterwards.”
Doctor's orders
IF you are feeling under the weather, don’t put off going to the GP.
According to a 2014 study by Harvard University in the US, 320 deaths a year could have been prevented by more access to healthcare.
Far from wasting your doctor’s time, a ten-minute consultation could save your life as they may spot risk-factors that lead to serious illness.
Seeing the same GP can also reduce your risk of going to hospital for heart disease and diabetes.
Do a crossword
PUZZLES aren’t just for fun — they are life extenders too.
A 2019 study by Exeter University and King’s College London found that doing daily mind games such as Sudoku or crosswords can keep your brain younger by as much as ten years compared with non-puzzlers.
Dr Jones says: “Our brain loves novel complex tasks. That’s how it makes new neural pathways and keeps our cognitive reserve high.
“Learning languages and musical instruments is also a superb brain health tool."
Spice boost
A FIERY curry could mean longer life, say scientists in China.
The study of nearly 500,000 people found those who ate spicy food once a week or more were ten per cent less likely to die in the seven-year follow-up period than people who ate it less than once a week.
Capsaicin, an ingredient found in spices, is said to have anti-obesity, antioxidant and also some anti-inflammatory qualities.
Have a quickie
COUPLES who enjoy sex at least twice a week tend to have higher amounts of the antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA) than couples who indulged less than once a week.
This was discovered in a study by Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
IgA wards off illness, keeping the immune system strong.
Dr Jones explains: “Testosterone and estrogen have anti-inflammatory effects.
“Chronic inflammation accelerates biological ageing, so sex keeps you young.”
Be neighbourly
US researchers reckon a good old chat over the garden fence or popping in for a cuppa can help you live longer.
A study by Brigham Young University in Utah found that forging just three social ties may reduce your risk of early death by more than 200 per cent.
Other studies also link a healthy social life to positive changes in heart, brain, hormonal and immune function, which may decrease the risk of chronic diseases.
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